Frustrating day in Stafford as Nomads miss opportunity

Cheadle Heath Nomads suffered a disappointing and frustrating defeat in Stafford despite creating a handful of great chances.

The home side started strongly, Smith with a couple of early chances. Brocton felt they should have been awarded a penalty after Rolston was went down in the box but the referee waved play on. The home side continued to press but failed to test Willan in the Nomads goal.

The visitors should have taken the lead just before the break. Foley surged into the box and forced Allsopp into a fine save, the ball fell to McLaughlin to apply the finish but Vaughan was on hand to block the effort.

HT: Brocton 0 NOMADS 0

The second half started with Nomads in control. Blackwell and O’Connell both had half chances and then after a great cross from Lewens, Danny McLaughlin somehow headed over.

The deadlock was broken on 67 minutes. Osbourne found space in the area and volleyed past Willan.

Nomads continued to create good chances, Lewens again at the heart setting up Alley who missed a great opportunity to equalise.

Brocton weathered the storm and grabbed a second near the end of the game, Curtis with a good finish.

There was still time for Taylor to go close for the visitors but it wasn’t going to be Nomads day.

FT: Brocton 2 NOMADS 0

After the game we got the thoughts of Manager Jake Davies:

“We’ve come away from the game really frustrated. Brocton to be fair pressed really aggressively which we knew would be the case having analysed the game they had against Stafford Town. We weren’t surprised by anything they did.

The first half was difficult as Brockton pressed so well, we had difficulties moving the ball and to be honest from both sides point of view the first half we both nullified each other, we arguably had the best chance with foley going 1v1.

Second half we started well and was in the ascendency for the majority of the half, we’ve missed numerous openings to go 1-0 up and then and individual error has meant we’ve gone 1-0 down. After that again they have virtually no chances and we have a 10 /15 minute period where we have chances that we should score. Putting things off target from 6 yards out and their defenders making last ditch tackles and blocks.

Their second goal is really disappointing, it’s been taken well but he shouldn’t ever be in the postion he is to finish. I’ve come away incredibly frustrated we haven’t scored and that we haven’t led in the game as that was really important given where both teams sat before kick off.

We’ve switched off in moments and not been clinical enough in both boxes which has been a feature of our season and needs to change if we want to have a good cup run and be at the right end of the table come next season. We’ve a massive few weeks ahead of us to build confidence across the club for the new season.”

TEAMS

Brocton: Allsopp, Bostock, Weldon, L Haddaway, Vaughan, Curtis, Rolston, Thomas, SMITH*, C Haddaway, Osbourne
Subs: Hollinsworth. Unused: Jackson, Harris, Triggs, Scutt

NOMADS: Willan, Wallis, Shipton, O’Connell, Greenfield, Taylor, Blackwell, Tinker, McLaughlin, Foley, MILNE*
Subs: Coates, Lewens, Alley Unused: Horner